FALCONS (-3) AT CHIEFS
There are a lot of variables at work here, starting with the health of the Chiefs' defense. Cornerback Brandon Flowers will likely be a game-day decision, as will linebackers Derrick Johnson and Jovan Belcher. Nose tackle Anthony Toribio and safety Kendrick Lewis seem doubtful. And we already know Tamba Hali will miss Sunday's game due to a suspension. That could be a lot of holes to fill for Romeo Crennel's defense, which already would have its hands full with Atlanta's loaded offense.
The Falcons can hurt you many different ways, from the inside running game of grinder Michael Turner to the scat-back quickness of Jacquizz Rodgers. Quarterback Matt Ryan also has plenty of weapons in the receiving game, including Roddy White, Julio Jones and former Chiefs great Tony Gonzalez. Jones especially could be big trouble for the Chiefs' patched-together secondary.
A lot of eyes will be on the Chiefs' offense, too. Dwayne Bowe reported late to camp and probably hasn't mastered the offense yet. Tight end Tony Moeaki and running back Jamaal Charles are each coming off ACL surgeries and were limited in the preseason – both may tire as the game wears on. The addition of pounder Peyton Hillis will help the running game, and second-year receiver Jon Baldwin is poised to have a breakout year – so-so quarterback Matt Cassel will need all the help he can get.
The Arrowhead crowd could be a big factor here , giving the Chiefs much-needed energy to keep this game close. But in the end, the Falcons probably have too many weapons for the depleted Chiefs defense to deal with.
Falcons 24, Chiefs 16
DOLPHINS (+12) AT TEXANS
Miami has a new coach (Joe Philbin) and a rookie quarterback (Ryan Tannehill) starting, and it draws the high-powered Texans on the road in the opener – yikes. While the Dolphins are retooling and heading in the right direction, they will take some serious lumps early, starting Sunday. Look for Matt Schaub, Adrian Foster and Andre Johnson to have big days and this one could get out of hand quickly.
Texans 31, Dolphins 7
BILLS (+2.5) AT JETS
The Bills got off to a hot start last season before injuries derailed them and led to a disappointing 6-10 finish. This year might be different for head coach Chan Gailey's bunch. For one thing, they might have the best defensive line in the AFC. For another, they might have the best running combo (Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller) in the AFC. The Jets, meanwhile, have a new offensive coordinator but the same issues, mainly quarterback Mark Sanchez's inconsistency. Tim Tebow won't help, either. The Bills steal this one in a mild upset.
Bills 17, Jets 13
PATRIOTS (-5) AT TITANS
The Titans always seem to pull off a stunner at least once a season, but it won't happen here. Jake Locker has the potential to give the Patriots' soft defense fits, but the Titans are going to run into a motivated Patriots' team still stinging from the Super Bowl loss. Tom Brady gets the Pats off on the right foot.
Patriots 24, Titans 20
COLTS (+9.5) AT BEARS
Andrew Luck's NFL debut comes on the road at Soldier Field against a Bears team that wilted last season after Jay Cutler went down to injury. But Cutler is healthy again and Lovie Smith's defense will mess with Luck's head. Luck might have a great future in the NFL but this is a tall task in his debut.
Bears 27, Colts 13
EAGLES (-9.5) AT BROWNS
Kind of a lofty spread here for an Eagles team that had its issues in the preseason. Quarterback Michael Vick is a little beat up (ribs) and the offense has sputtered. Of course, Browns fans are familiar with a sputtering offense, which was the theme of last year's team. But rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden and rookie running back Trent Richardson at least give the Browns a fresher look. Not sure if that translates into points right away.
Eagles 23, Browns 14
STEELERS (+1) AT BRONCOS
A fantastic Sunday night matchup to start the season, with Big Ben Roethlisberger going up against Peyton Manning. You know the Steelers want to avenge last year's playoff loss in overtime to the Broncos, who were led by Tim Tebow then. The task will be even tougher with future Hall of Famer Manning now in control. Big Ben said he might even miss the game in the event his wife gives birth to their first child Sunday. That, of course, would take out much of the drama. The Steelers are still the better overall team here, but the Broncos will be inspired by Manning and the crowd and they will be flying out of their shoes all night.
Broncos 27, Steelers 20
RAMS (+7) AT LIONS
Jeff Fisher takes over the Rams' helm and he's too good of a coach not to turn around that stumbling franchise. But it won't start here. The Lions, at home, have too many weapons for a suspect Rams defense.
Lions 34, Rams 16
JAGS (+3.5) AT VIKINGS
Probably the dog game of the week. Jags quarterback Blaine Gabbert, not exactly Mr. Mobile, will have his hands full trying to elude defensive ends Jared Allen and Brian Robison. And the feeling here is that Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder may take some positive strides in his second season.
Vikings 20, Jags 9
REDSKINS (+7) AT SAINTS
Could be a fun one here with the Redskins unveiling rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III and a whole new offense catered to his running ability. He will have his moments, but the revamped Redskins offense likely will struggle on the road against a Saints team motivated by all the mess that was Bounty-gate. Drew Brees will have a big day for the Saints.
Saints 35, Redskins 20
SEAHAWKS (-3) AT CARDINALS
A curious favorite here considering Seattle is starting a rookie at quarterback in Russell Wilson. Everyone in the northwest fell in love with Wilson's scrambling ability in the preseason, and the Cards' defense isn't exactly the '85 Bears. But teams don't game-plan in the preseason. Wilson likely will struggle in his debut on the road.
Cards 16, Seahawks 13
49ERS (+4.5) AT PACKERS
A mighty matchup in week one between two of the best teams in the NFC. The Packers again have Super Bowl aspirations and devoted almost their entire draft to fixing a horrible defense from 2011. It was a defense that spoiled a 15-1 regular season with a playoff dud against the Giants. Chances are the Packers' new-look defense will take several weeks to show improvement, and it again will struggle here against the 49ers who match up well. The 49ers can pound it on the ground with Frank Gore and Brandon Jacobs, and loosen you up through the air with tight end Vernon Davis, and wideouts Michael Crabtree and Randy Moss. The Packers, of course, have all the weapons you could ask for on offense, starting with Aaron Rodgers. But the lack of a running game and that suspect defense will keep this painfully close for the Lambeau faithful. A 49ers win wouldn't be a shocker.
Packers 31, 49ers 30
PANTHERS (-1) AT BUCS
Greg Schiano makes his NFL coaching debut with the Bucs. After taking the job, he immediately went to work on improving the defense. But he probably won't see great results here with his troops chasing around Cam Newton all afternoon. The Panthers had their way with the Bucs last year and will so again.
Panthers 27, Bucs 17
BENGALS (+6) AT RAVENS
Another good matchup. The Bengals sneaked into the playoffs last year behind first-year quarterback Andy Dalton and a big-play defense. The Ravens, on the other hand, still can't believe they didn't make it to the Super Bowl. The Ravens come out inspired.
Ravens 23, Bengals 13
CHARGERS (-1) AT RAIDERS
A total toss-up. Philip Rivers may have to deal with not only losing Vincent Jackson in the off-season, but also running back Ryan Mathews, who has a collarbone injury. You never know what to expect out of the Raiders, who can look like Super Bowl contenders one week and a Division III team the next. Carson Palmer did have the benefit of off-season workouts and a full preseason this year. Maybe that will matter.
Raiders 28, Chargers 24
